This small cactus has very tuberous roots that remains half buried in habitat, showing approximately 1 cm from the ground. Plants have usually few segments (up to 6). But at the northern localities this species can grow with dozens of segments. Can form large clumps with more than 100 heads. The flower colour ranges from brown to deep rose red to a pale yellowish rose and rare, but possible with almost white. Pericarpels without areoles but with a few scales bearing hairs and long bristles in the axils. The flowering is diurnal and takes place during the summer. This species resists cold well if it is dry and need to be kept in a cool place during winter rest (this is important for the flowers as well as for their health) Without this cool winter period they normally wont get many buds. They need a sufficient amount of air.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
